The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has blamed fatigue and excessive speed for a tragic road crash that claimed the lives of 21 athletes and officials from Kano State. The victims were returning from the just-concluded 22nd National Sports Festival, Gateway Games 2024, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Grassroots Parrot reports that the devastating accident occurred on Saturday near Gadar Yankifi along the Kaduna-Kano Expressway. The Kano State Government-owned coaster bus, with registration number KN 041 A17, reportedly veered off the road, resulting in the deaths of 21 of the 24 passengers onboard.
According to a statement by FRSC spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide, the vehicle was carrying 23 male adults and one female adult. Only three passengers — including the sole female — survived the crash with injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital.
“The crash involved a coaster bus… comprising of 23 male adults and one female adult. While three victims — two male adults and the female adult — were rescued to the hospital, the remaining 21 victims, all male adults, were killed,” the statement said.
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The deceased were part of Team Kano, which had participated in the national sporting event that ended on Thursday. The victims included athletes from wrestling and kickboxing, referees, sports journalists, secretaries of sports associations, medical personnel, two drivers, and other officials.
Among the dead was Imam Umar Fagge, a football referee and younger brother to the acting chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Umar Fagge.
FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed expressed deep sorrow over the loss, calling the incident “a tragic reminder” of the dangers of fatigue and excessive speed, particularly during night travel.
“The Corps Marshal… has commiserated with the Kano State Government and the families of the travelers who lost their lives in a tragic lone road crash that might have occurred as a result of fatigue and excessive speed during a long night trip,” the statement read.
He urged transport operators and drivers to prioritize rest, vehicle maintenance, and strict adherence to speed limits, especially during nighttime travel when visibility is poor.